Etymologically
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literacy

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 15:40. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈlɪtəɹəsi/, /ˈlɪtɹəsi/ (UK); /ˈlɪtəɹəsi/, /ˈlɪtɹəsi/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is from English literate + -cy,[2][3] on the pattern of the older illiteracy.[4][5]

Earliest recorded meaning

The ability to read and write: 1883 in the OED and Etymonline;[6][2] Merriam-Webster dates it to 1880.[3]

Semantic evolution

The negative illiteracy is much older, from the 17th century.[2] A wider sense, competence or knowledge in a particular area (as in computer literacy), and the ability to use language well are in modern dictionaries.[7][8]

Timeline

  • 17th century – illiteracy.[2]
  • 1880 – literacy (Merriam-Webster).[3]
  • 1883 – literacy (OED).[6]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. The ability to read and write.
  2. The ability to use language well; knowledge or competence in a particular field.

Word family

  • aliteracy
  • computer literacy

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press
  5. ^ Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  6. ^ a b Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  7. ^ The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin
  8. ^ Collins English Dictionary (2023), Glasgow: HarperCollins